In a momentous occasion that brought together aviation leaders and safety experts from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the MENA Regional Safety Oversight Organization (MENA RSOO) was officially launched in Riyadh on December 6, 2023. This groundbreaking initiative signals a collective commitment to elevating aviation safety standards and fostering regional cooperation for a secure, safe and sustainable air transport.
The Birth of MENA RSOO:
The MENA RSOO is a collaborative effort among participating countries in the region to establish a robust safety oversight mechanism for the aviation sector. With the rapid growth of air travel in the MENA region, the need for a unified approach to safety oversight became increasingly evident. The launch of the MENA RSOO represents a significant step towards ensuring the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance.
Inaugural Ceremony:
The launch event commenced with a prestigious inaugural ceremony attended by government officials, aviation authorities, Organizations and industry stakeholders.
Distinguished speakers, respectively the president of the Saudi General Civil Aviation Authority (GACA), the president of the ICAO council and the Director General of ACAO, delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of a collaborative safety oversight organization. They highlighted the shared responsibility of ensuring safe and secure air transport for the citizens of the participating nations.
HE Abdulaziz Al-Duailj, president of GACA said: “The establishment of the new organization will be a milestone for all its member states and is also a testimony to their commitment to aviation safety, quality, and efficiency”.
HE Salvatore Sciacchitano, president of the ICAO Council, said that “the organization’s inauguration was an important step toward enhancing safety in the civil aviation sector. It embodies the amount of cooperation exerted to develop civil aviation safety in the Middle East.”
HE Abdennebi Manar, Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, noted that the transportation sector played an essential role in the progress of nations. He said: “In order for the organization to move to a sustainable approach for strengthening the member States aviation safety system, ACAO decided to move to the institutionally based approach by establishing a regional unit for safety oversight that is functionally independent with the aim to support country members in need.”
It contributes to creating wealth and job opportunities, whether at the industrial level or the infrastructure of the transportation system, and air transport is usually an integral part of this system”.
Signing of Agreements:
Integral to the launch was the signing of agreements and memorandum of Agreement (MoA) among the 8 participating countries. These agreements outlined the collaborative framework for sharing safety-related information, conducting joint inspections, and coordinating efforts to address and rectify safety deficiencies.
Looking Ahead:
As the MENA RSOO takes its first steps, the launch event in Riyadh stands as a testament to the commitment of participating nations to prioritize safety in aviation. The organization is poised to play a pivotal role in harmonizing regulations and rules, improving the safety oversight practices, rising the safety management level, and responding collectively to emerging challenges.
The launch of the MENA RSOO marks a turning point for the region's aviation sector, promising safer skies and a more resilient industry. As the organization begins its work, it holds the potential to become a model for effective regional collaboration in ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety, setting another rings for fostering the air transport around the world. The skies over the MENA region are now poised to become even safer, ensuring a secure and reliable aviation experience for all.